redesigning civic engagement

Redesigning Civic EngagementCreating creative, collaborative and action-drivenpolitical participation.

Introductions

ANALISA LONOASSISTANT EVENTS MANAGER AT ADAPTIVE PATH

Political Science junky.

Long history of civic engagement and youth programs.

Believes that our nation is frustrated over the lack of channels for constructive engagement.

P.J. ONORI

Formal educations in both computer science and design.

8 years of experience working as a developer, designer (and everything in between)

Deep background in public-focused software projects.

USER EXPERIENCE DESIGNER & TECHNOLOGIST

The Problems

THE POLITICAL PROBLEM

PEOPLE HAVE CHECKED-OUT

There are few effective channels of engagement.

Citizens are cynical of government’s efficacy.

Young adults lack a path to civic participation that relates to their interests.

THE EDUCATIONAL PROBLEM

http://abstrusegoose.com/418

STUDENTS ARE NOT EQUIPPED FOR SUCCESS IN TODAY’S WORKPLACECurriculum cannot keep pace with reality outside of its campus.

Traditional educational models do not encourage collaboration.

There are far too few interdisciplinary opportunities for students in higher education.

An Alternative

Engage communities and government through creating disruptive software, apps, APIs and online services.

A COMPARISON...

150 people × 18 hours per day × 60 days = 162,000 people hours (roughly)

Result:

TBD...

OCCUPY MOVEMENT

2 people × 12 hours per day × 8 months = 5,760 people hours (roughly)

Result:

Changed media forever.

NAPSTER 1.0

Our goal is to create an entity with the inclusiveness of Occupy and the efficiency of a startup.

The whiteboard can become the new vehicle for civic engagement.

The Idea

Mentor young adults in multidisciplinary groups to create usable outcomes for social good.

GOALS

Focus on civic action.

Foster multi-discipline thinking and collaboration.

Create an avenue for volunteerism and entrepreneurship.

Conclude with tangible outcomes.

CONSTRAINTS

Only software projects (web, mobile, desktop) in the first year.

1 Group per school only.

Ideally 3 schools would participate, but 1 would be fine for first year.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

CORE TEAM

School

Prof.of

Design

Prof.ofCS

Prof.of

???

Academic guidance.

Student Team

Designer Coder ???

Doers of awesome.

TEAM OF ADVISORS & MENTORS

Non-Profits, NGOs, etc.

Red Cross EFF SF MUNI

Subject matter experts.

Private Firms

IDEO Method Google

Strategy/Design/Technology mentors.

PROJECT STRUCTURE

The project will last one semester.

Students will need to decide on a project and pitch it to professors and mentors.

Weekly checkins with professors and mentors.

Students will formally present final product.

TEAM STRUCTURE

1 Design major

1 Computer Science major

1 Wild-card major (e.g., Journalism, Biology, Philosophy, etc.)

3 Professors (representing each major) overseeing the work.

1 Professor acts as lead to ensure deadlines and goals are being met.

STUDENTS FACULTY

SUPPORT STRUCTURE

A private firm will be brought in to provide perspective on concept and execution.

A non-profit or NGO will be available as subject-matter experts.

Both groups will take part in monthly reviews and be available to provide guidance for specific challenges.

INTENDED OUTCOMES

A product or service which they own and control upon completion of the project.

A resume and portfolio builder with concrete experience.

Encourage social entrepreneurship.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN STUDENTSPeople that care about making an impact in their community, country, world.

Individuals who are able to work well in groups as an equal member and as a leader.

A willingness to grow outside of their chosen major.

Thanks.Analisa Lono, analisa@adaptivepath.com

P.J. Onori, pj@somerandomdude.com